Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are primarily passed through sexual contact. They spread bacteria, viruses and parasites through sexual fluids and skin-to-skin contact.

However, there are ways that these infections can be transmitted through non-sexual means, like blood transfusions, shared needles, and through pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding.

A lot of the time, infected persons are asymptomatic, which can lead to it being untreated. That’s why it is important to recognise noticeable symptoms so that you can prevent future complications like infertility, cervical cancer and the risk of HIV.

STI symptoms

There are several symptoms that can help identify the presence of STIs in your body. Some of them are gender specific, while others overlap with other STIs, making identifying specific infections difficult.

Some symptoms take a few days to appear, while others can take weeks or months to become noticeable.

Gender specific

Due to anatomical differences, there are some symptoms that differ in men and women

Male-specific symptoms

• Discharge of pus from the penis.
• Pain or swelling of the testicles.
• Tingling, stinging, or soreness at the tip of the penis.

Female-specific symptoms

• Vaginal discharge.
• Pain in the lower abdominal area.
• Bleeding between periods or after having intercourse.

General Symptoms

• Urination: STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and other infections can cause painful urination in both genders.
• Genital discharge: Present in infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea. However, the color and odour can differentiate between the two. Chlamydia is yellowish with a strong odour, while gonorrhea is either green, yellow, or white in colour.
• Abdominal pain: Common in both chlamydia and gonorrhea.
• Rectal symptoms: Experiencing pain, discharge or bleeding from the anus is noted in cases of rectal chlamydia and gonorrhea.
• Itching: Irritation or itching in the genital area is present in several STIs like trichomoniasis and HPV.
• Skin lesions or ulcers: Sores and warts are present in cases of herpes, syphilis and HPV.

Note: A lot of these symptoms are nonspecific and share common distinctions with other conditions. This can make diagnosis unreliable without undergoing testing. Yeast infections and UTIs share similarities with infections, which can lead to a misdiagnosis.

Seeking medical attention

In its most recent statistics update of STIs in England, the UK Government noted that there was an increase of 401,800 new cases of STIs, which indicated a 4.7% increase in the previous records.

This highlights the importance of testing. Undergoing tests can help you identify the STI you may have, and multiple testing is often recommended due to there being symptoms that overlap. It is important that you go in for a test if you have any symptoms or if you have unprotected sex with a casual partner.

If you are concerned about infections and want to check yourself, you can consider buying an STI home testing kit, which is available for routine check-ups. These kits are ideal for those who have limited access to clinics or are uncomfortable with discussing their sexual health with others.

However, if symptoms are present and you require treatment, you can visit a clinic for a second opinion and adequate medication. Testing can consist of urine samples, swabs, and blood tests.

Prioritising your sexual health

In order to live a fulfilling life and have a healthy sexual life, you need to focus on your health, practice preventative measures and undergo treatment for any STIs

Health tips

• Clearly communicate with your partner about testing and using contraceptives. Also, speak about your preferences and concerns in order to navigate your sex life together.
• Follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly to promote hormonal balance and healthy performance.
• Staying educated about sex and using wellness tools to prevent intimacy discomfort and have a better sex life.

Prevention

• Use condoms consistently to prevent the transmission of STIs
• If you are sexually active and have multiple partners, make regular testing a priority to ensure your and your partners’ safety.
• There are vaccines available to prevent certain STIs, like HPV and hepatitis B.

Treatment

• If you have tested positive for a bacterial or parasitic STI like chlamydia or trichomoniasis, you can undergo treatment with antibiotics to cure the infection.
• If you tested positive for viral STIs like HIV or herpes, while they are incurable, treatments allow you to live a healthy and fruitful life.

Recognising STIs through symptoms and undergoing treatment is essential for people, as untreated STIs can lead to infertility, pelvic inflammatory diseases and even cervical cancer. It is important to get regularly tested to maintain the safety of both you and your partners and to experience a healthy sexual life.